Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports Organization
Lodi Parks and Recreation Department
230 W. Elm St., Lodi CA 95240
(209) 333-6742
2016
BABE RUTH MANUAL
BOYS BASEBALL
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The Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports (B.O.B.S.) and
the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department cosponsor Babe Ruth Baseball, Cal Ripken, Jr.
Baseball and Girls Softball in Lodi.
The B.O.B.S. were organized in 1960 to aid the City
in various youth sports. The B.O.B.S. is a volunteer
organization that assists in policy making,
equipment and uniform purchasing and fund-raising.
The work of this group gives stability to all programs
and keeps registration fees low for all the
participants. The B.O.B.S. donate thousands of
hours of time to Lodi athletic programs.
This manual is the basis for the administration of
this program. Please read it carefully.
Any
interpretation not specifically covered in this manual
will be ruled on by the B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth
coordinator.
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BABE RUTH BASEBALL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
ADMINISTRATION
PAGE
A.
Policies and Procedures
1
B.
Rules and Regulations
1
C.
Financial
1
D.
Personnel
1.
Game Officials
2.
Support Staff
2
2
2
E.
Facilities
2
F.
Equipment
2
G.
Uniforms
2
H.
Sponsors
3
I.
Schedules
3
J.
Awards
3
THE PROGRAM
A.
The Lodi Babe Ruth Program – National Affiliation
4
B.
Player Eligibility
1.
Player Registration
2.
Age Requirement
3.
Age Determination
4.
Forms
5.
Fees
6.
Dual Participation
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
C.
D.
Areas and Leagues
Draft Procedures
1.
Babe Ruth 13-15’s Draft
a) Regular Draft
2.
General Draft Principles
a) Trading of New Drafted Players
5
5
6
6
6
6
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b)
c)
d)
III.
IV.
Team Roster Completion and Reserve Pool
Expansion/Contraction in Babe Ruth
Balancing By Age Group
6
7
7
E.
Option Rules
1.
Coach/Son Option
2.
Brother Option
3.
Draw Round
7
8
8
8
F.
Tryouts
8
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
9
A.
Divisions
9
B.
Coaches
9
C.
Transfers
9
D.
Refunds
9
E.
Shortages (Call-up Procedure)
10
F.
Practices
10
G.
Field Dimensions
10
H.
Game Lengths
11
I.
Play-off Procedures
11
J.
Protests
12
K.
Player Participation Rules
12
RULES SPECIFIC TO VARIOUS DIVISIONS
15
A.
Special Rules
15
B.
Protective Head Gear
1.
Batters
2.
Catchers
15
15
15
C.
Crashing into a Fielder
15
D.
Faking a Tag
16
E.
Coaches and Judgment Calls
16
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F.
Bench and Field Conduct
16
G.
B.O.B.S. Ejection Policy
16
H.
Out-of-Play Interpretations
17
I.
Tryout Pitching Rule
17
J.
Pitching Rule Interpretations
18
V.
OFFENSIVE CONFERENCE
19
VI.
TOURNAMENT TEAMS
19
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BOOSTER OF BOYS/GIRLS SPORTS ORGANIZATION
LODI PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
230 W. Elm St., Lodi CA 95240
333-6742
LODI BABE RUTH BASEBALL MANUAL
I.
ADMINISTRATION
The Lodi Babe Ruth Baseball program is sponsored and administered by the
City of Lodi Recreation Department and Booster of Boys/Girls Sports
Organization (B.O.B.S.). The two sponsoring organizations use the National
Babe Ruth organizational guidelines and rule books as their primary
administrating guides with the exception of local rules and those the B.O.B.S.
and the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department will administer and make
policy. These policies will be spelled out in this manual. The B.O.B.S./City
of Lodi established a staff to administer the various league level programs
with assistance from the B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Coordinator and individual
league level commissioners. They will assist where needed to provide
guidance advisement, communication, securing of coaches, general control
and monitoring of each league level.
The local organization will make every effort to provide the best possible
experience and environment for a young person to develop and play
baseball. Hopefully, this will be done with the cooperation of all concerned.
A.)
Polices and Procedures
Lodi policies and procedures will be determined by the two sponsoring
organizations. Coaches will have input into policy or procedural changes
through their B.O.B.S. Sports Coordinator or Commissioner and/or Lodi
Recreation Department Supervisor. The B.O.B.S. Coordinator and
Recreation Supervisor will interpret items not specifically covered in this
manual.
B)
Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations will be determined by the sponsoring organizations
plus those that comply with National Babe Ruth Baseball. Coaches will have
input through the B.O.B.S. Sports Coordinator or Commissioner and/or the
Lodi Park and Recreation Department Supervisor. Rules and regulations will
be issued to all coaches prior to the start of the program. Official baseball
rules and regulations will guide game play. Local rules and regulations will
cover specifics of individual leagues.
C)
Financial
The Lodi Recreation Department and the Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports
Organization will handle financing for the local Babe Ruth Baseball program.
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1
It will be their responsibility to provide an operational program
budget for each league level. These two organizations will set registration
fees, sponsorships, and other operational or league fees to meet appropriate
budget needs. At various times the Lodi Recreation Department and
B.O.B.S. may ask team coaches, players, and parents to cooperate and
participate in fund-raising activities to assist in covering league or tournament
team financing liabilities.
D)
E)
Personnel
1.)
Game officials will be recruited, hired, trained, scheduled, and paid by
the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. The Lodi Recreation
Department will set salaries for these people.
2.)
Support Staff - Scorekeepers and a team business manager will be
volunteers. They will be recruited from each team's parents or
persons the team coaches secure to assist with team responsibilities.
Teams will be asked to secure at least two scorekeepers and have
one parent as a team business manager to coordinate team matters
and responsibilities. For games at Kofu, Salas, or Zupo Field, the
visiting team supplies the scoreboard operator.
Facilities
The Lodi Recreation Department will furnish and maintain practice and game
field facilities as deemed necessary. The Lodi Recreation Supervisor will
schedule practice times. Practice facilities will include school grounds and
city park areas. Coaches will be asked to adhere to the agreed practice
sites, days, and time allotments.
Teams may secure two or three practice assignments per week on regulation
diamonds until league play starts and as the need for fields to play scheduled
games becomes more prevalent. Coaches are asked to practice no more
than two hours maximum on a diamond so other teams may use facilities.
Teams in the Babe Ruth groups will be sharing diamonds. A fourth meeting
off the practice fields is allowed (ex. batting cages, team meetings).
F)
Equipment
Equipment will be issued to each head coach by the B.O.B.S. Broken
equipment or gear may be exchanged by bringing in the broken article to the
Parks and Recreation Department Equipment Room. Equipment room hours
will be announced. Please adhere to those hours. Do not come to the
office expecting anyone to open the equipment room other than during the
announced hours.
G)
Uniforms
Teams will be issued caps and shirts. Teams must wear similar colored
socks or white socks to match their uniform.
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2
Teams will be asked to wear, and not add to, league uniforms that are issued
to teams unless prior approval is given by the Babe Ruth Committee/Lodi
Recreation Department.
H)
Sponsors
Sponsors - The B.O.B.S. are responsible for the recruitment and securing of
all sponsors. They will set fees for the various age groups, which follow in
line with budget guidelines.
Sponsors assigned yearly - Sponsors will be local merchants, fraternal or
service clubs, or family businesses. Sponsorships will be for one season.
They will be assigned annually provided sponsor has paid prior years’ fees
and has been in good standing. Priority will be given to past sponsors over
new sponsors.
The B.O.B.S. sponsorship chairman and the Lodi Recreation Supervisor will
assign sponsors. Sponsors will not be required to provide any additional
service, monies, adjustments, or additions to uniforms for their team unless
approved by the B.O.B.S. Sponsorship Chairman and Lodi Recreation
Supervisor. Sponsors names will appear on team uniforms. If sponsors do
not wish to have their name on the team uniforms they may request to leave
it blank or call it by another name.
Sponsor Priority Order
1.
2.
3.
4.
I)
Returning sponsor
Coach - sponsor
Player - sponsor from previous year
Player - sponsor (new)
Schedules
Schedules are prepared by the Lodi Recreation Supervisor with advisement
from the B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Committee and league coaches. Game
schedules will comply with National Babe Ruth requirements. Teams may
schedule additional practice games if diamonds are available and they stay
within pitching rules, as per Babe Ruth rules. Schedules will be issued at the
last league meeting prior to the opening of league play. Coaches are asked
to check all NOTES on schedule.
J)
Awards
Trophies are awarded to the play-off winners and runners-up ONLY.
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3
II.
A)
THE PROGRAM
The Lodi Babe Ruth Program – National Affiliation
The Lodi Babe Ruth Baseball Program consists of five levels in the Babe
Ruth Baseball Program. These levels are determined by the age groupings
of the participants. The Lodi program covers the ages of 6-15 years. Our
programs, by ages, are set in the following league levels: (April 30 of current
year determines age)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5-6 years old – Machine Pitch
7-10's - Junior Baseball
11-12's – Cal Ripken, Jr. Baseball
13-15's - Babe Ruth
This manual will be concerned with 13-15 Babe Ruth levels only.
The local Babe Ruth programs were started in 1969 to enhance the baseball
experience of our youth. The main objective was to affiliate with a program
that gives us national exposure, sets rules, regulations, organizational
guidelines, opportunities for advanced play in tournaments, and a named
program that had a solid base within youth baseball circles. Our annual
affiliation with National Babe Ruth has produced the exposure we feel is
needed and offers many opportunities for administrative assistance, coaches
training, yearly tournaments within surrounding area leagues, and helped
establish sound goals, objectives, and good competitive attitudes regarding
baseball.
The local Babe Ruth program must re-charter its program annually. This is
accomplished by completing national forms and paying nominal fees. Along
with affiliation in the national program, we are members in a State Region
known as "Central California Babe Ruth Baseball" and "District 1." National
Babe Ruth provides our local leagues rulebooks, clinic material, and a
monthly publication for league officers and all coaches.
B)
Player Eligibility for Program
1)
Player registrations - The Lodi Recreation Department and B.O.B.S.
require players to register every year in order to be eligible for their
league level. Registrations are announced through the efforts of the
Lodi Recreation Department and B.O.B.S. in a program information
flyer that is sent to schools and, in some cases, mailed directly to
potential players. Newspapers and other media will be contacted to
further announce these registrations.
2)
Babe Ruth players must turn 13, 14 or 15 prior to May 1 of the current
year. Their age as of April 30 of the current year determines their age.
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C)
3)
Age determination per league level - The national rule to determine a
young man's program age for play is his age on April 30 of the current
year. The player's age for that particular season is whatever age he
is on that date. Since we are directing this manual toward 13-15 year
olds, he must be within this age range to be eligible for Lodi Babe
Ruth Baseball. Once age is determined, the player will be placed in
the appropriate league level (13-15's in Babe Ruth). NOTE: It may
be necessary to cut some players at these levels. All cut players will
receive a full refund.
4)
Forms - Once the two requirements listed above are determined, the
player must secure a registration form at the Lodi Recreation Office,
complete and return it along with his proof of residence and fees.
5)
Fees - Players are required to pay a registration fee. The fee is set by
the sponsoring organizations and must be paid when registering.
(Sometimes special circumstances arise and a player is unable to
pay. In that case, the Lodi Recreation or Babe Ruth Coordinator will
make special arrangements as needed).
6)
Dual Participation - Participation in the B.O.B.S Babe Ruth program is
limited to residents of Lodi Unified School District or those who attend
school within the LUSD boundaries except as prescribed by the Babe
Ruth charter. Players may participate in other programs and be
eligible to play in the Babe Ruth program. Players are eligible for
Babe Ruth upon conclusion of their school season.
Areas and Leagues
Babe Ruth Draw Area - The Lodi Babe Ruth League has been assigned,
through their charter with National Babe Ruth, a geographical draw area in
which all players must live to be eligible for our local programs. The
geographical draw area is determined by Babe Ruth Commissioner and
B.O.B.S Babe Ruth. This area includes the Lodi High School and Tokay High
School attendance areas as well as other high schools (see boundary map).
Once it is determined participants live within the above charter area, they are
eligible for Lodi Babe Ruth.
D)
Draft Procedures
Drafting - All players who have met the registration and tryout requirements
are eligible for league level draft. The Lodi Recreation Department and
B.O.B.S. will prepare player lists and will explain the particulars of drafting for
each league level.
1)
Babe Ruth Draft will use a draft set up for a one-year assignment.
Coaches will evaluate each and every candidate and set his priority
list of eligible players for drafting.
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.
a) Regular Draft
The B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Committee and league coaches will evaluate
players that do not attend tryouts or ask to be excused on an
individual basis. Players not attending tryouts will not be allowed to be
drafted to National League but will be allowed to participate in the
American League Division. The B.O.B.S. Coordinator has the final
authority for these players. Each case will be evaluated individually.
The National Division draft order will be determined by reverse order
of finish in the prior year.
In 2016 we will draw for draft order with serpentine draft to follow for
both National and American divisions
Roster Size Rule - Team coaches are reminded that they can draft
any age group player they wish on any round. Roster sizes are
determined before the draft by B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Coordinator and
per Babe Ruth rule 0.05 Team Composition
2)
General Draft Principles
a)
Trading of New Drafted Players - At this point, if teams want to
exercise a trade for a new drafted player, they may negotiate
with other coaches. If a trade is acceptable to coaches, the
Lodi Recreation/B.O.B.S. Draft Committee must approve it.
b)
Team Roster Completion – Upon completion of the draft,
coaches will be given team roster forms, these will become
their final roster of players for the coming season.
c)
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Expansion/Contraction in Babe Ruth - The number of teams in
each division depends on the number of player registrations.
From time to time it may be necessary to expand or contract a
league. This process may affect the status of returning
players. In contraction, the disbanded team's returning players
would be asked to attend the tryouts and be placed in the pool
of players to be drafted by the remaining teams. In expansion,
some of the existing teams may be asked to release one or
more of their returning players to form a pool from which the
expansion team could choose to form a nucleus for their
teams. (The expansion team may not choose more than one
player from any of the returning team's list unless there are
rare circumstances.) An alternative method to start an
expansion team would be to award extra draft picks to that
team. Each expansion/contraction situation will be analyzed
by the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth staff,
6
with advisement from coaches, and dealt with on an individual
basis as these situations occur.
d)
E)
Balancing By Age Group - Roster age make up will differ
somewhat from year to year. All teams will be required to
draft, as close as possible, an equal number of 13-15's as
each of the other teams. Numbers will be set prior to the draft
and according to Babe Ruth Rule 0.05
Option Rules
Options - Prior to the beginning of the draft the Lodi Recreation Supervisor
and B.O.B.S. Committee will discuss the draft, update eligibility list of
players, ask for options, and answer questions as coaches prepare for the
draft.
We should take this time to mention options which can be used in almost all
draft league levels. Options can take place and be called in any round of the
draft.
1)
Coach/Son Option
The local Babe Ruth Committee has provided an option that allows a
coach and his sibling to be assigned to the same team. This may be
done ONLY with head coach and one assistant. All Coach/son
options must meet the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. Babe
Ruth Committee approval before it can be authorized and must
comply with the general rules of prior coaching experience between
the two parties involved in this request. Once the coach/son option is
approved, Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. staff will evaluate
coach/son options in that level and come up with an appropriate
round that these option players must be drafted. If they are not
drafted in the set round, the option is dropped and players are no
longer considered an option to a specific team but open to all teams
for draft eligibility. Any coach’s option not covered specifically in the
father/son option rule will be at the discretion of the BOBS coordinator
and Recreation Supervisor.
2)
Brother Option
Brothers to be assigned to the same team - A parental option that
may be requested is to have brothers placed on the same team
providing the brothers are in the same league level. There are times
when this may not be possible. In this case, the Lodi Recreation
Supervisor and Babe Ruth Committee will review the brother option.
The Babe Ruth Committee, with advisement from the coaches, will
evaluate all brother situations. Before the draft the Babe Ruth
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Committee will inform the teams in which round the second brother
can be taken. Once the brother option has been presented and the
choice of the first brother has been retained, the other brother must
be taken in the designated round.
3)
Other Options
Other options or concerns may occur. If they do, the Lodi Recreation
Department/B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Baseball Committee is empowered
to take required action and set procedure and policy.
F)
Tryouts
Once prospective players have registered, they are eligible to tryout and are
assigned to a team within their age level. Tryouts will be set to allow players
to workout and for coaches to evaluate their players.
Players who are required to tryout must attend at least one tryout in order to
be eligible for National league draft.
Players that do not attend the minimum required tryouts will be allowed to
participate in the American Division. If a player is cut from the program a
refunded will be issued unless previous arrangements have been made with
the Lodi Recreation Supervisor and/or the Babe Ruth Committee.
In the 13-15 year old Babe Ruth program some players are considered
"returning players." Players, who were 13 &14 years old and assigned to a
National Division Babe Ruth team the previous year and register the
following year, will automatically be assigned to the same team. One
exception would be in expansion (see 3(d) Expansion section). Tryouts will
be set and announced in relation to the league level and starting date for
scheduled games.
NOTE: Tryout Pitching Rule (All levels with tryouts)
All players with previous pitching experience (whether in Lodi or in any
program) must tryout in order to pitch in the current season in Lodi Babe
Ruth. All returning players to their National Division team are eligible to pitch!
III.
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
A)
Divisions – 13-15’s Babe Ruth
1) National Division – 6 Teams with returning players to that team
2) American Division – Number of teams determined by number of
participants. Players in this division will return the following year to tryout for
National Division or be selected to a new team in the American Division
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B)
Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches
1.
The Lodi Recreation Supervisor and B.O.B.S. will select volunteer
coaches and assistant coaches. They will assign, train, evaluate, and
terminate head coaches and assistant coaches within the Babe Ruth
Baseball program. All coaching assignments are for one season.
Coaches will be reviewed, terminated, or reassigned after each
session of play or before the next season of play.
2.
The conduct of head and assistant coaches must set a proper
example for all participants in the league. To put it plainly, stand up
for your rights, but exhibit and practice good sportsmanship at all
times. All volunteer coaches must uphold the B.O.B.S. Code of
Ethics. Coaches are asked to read the Code of Ethics/Volunteer
Coaches Policy and sign it prior to active participation in the program.
All coaches must be fingerprint cleared to participate.
3.
No one is allowed on the field or on the benches except umpires,
eligible players, one bat boy, and not more than three designated
coaching staff members of a Babe Ruth league team.
Base coaches must be eligible players or designated coaching staff
members of the team at bat. Players must be in uniform and must
wear a batting helmet.
C)
Transfers
Transfers will be reviewed and considered ONLY under extreme or serious
conditions or circumstances. This is a draft league so transfers are very
unlikely. If a problem exists, a refund may be given.
D)
Refunds
Administration fee will be forfeited on all refunds after tryouts and/or draft
completion! Refunds will be given for:
1)
Medical Reasons (proof required)
2)
Moves out of the Lodi area
3)
Cut from team
All refunds must be requested by completing a Refund Request Form.
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9
E)
Shortages (Call-up Procedures)
1) Roster Shortages for In-season Play - If teams find they do not have
enough players to play a scheduled game, they may follow the procedures
below:
Notify the Babe Ruth coordinator or Lodi Recreation Supervisor for approval.
Restrictions do exist as to whom a team may bring up/over to play. Consult
your coordinator if clarification is needed!
NOTE: Called up players may NOT play more than rostered players who are
at the game, and may not start if rostered players are available to start. At no
time is a called up player allowed to pitch.
2) Babe Ruth 13-15’s Call ups
National League Division: If you are short players, you may bring up players
from American League Division. You may only use that individual once and
then you must seek other players if future situations occur. Players who
substitute for a team must adhere to mandatory play rule and are unable to
pitch for that team. You may draw to 9 plus one only. The coach must be
notified.
American League Division:
If you are short players, you may bring over players from another American
Division team. Players made available may be restricted by draft round (3rd
round current drafted players or lower only) Players must wear their current
teams’ uniform and not the team they are being asked to play for. You can
not use National Division or Cal Ripken, Jr. players!
F)
Practices
Once teams are formed, coaches can contact the Recreation Supervisor for
practice assignments. Teams may schedule three practice assignments per
week on regulation diamonds, until league play starts and need for fields to
play scheduled games become more prevalent. At this time, teams are
limited to three meetings (games and practices) per week. A fourth meeting
may be held away from the practice fields.
Coaches may practice no more than two hours maximum on a diamond so
other teams may use facilities. Teams in the Babe Ruth groups will be
sharing diamonds along with other program teams.
Violations of practice restrictions will be handled by the B.O.B.S. Coordinator
and his committee as follows:
1.
2.
3.
G)
First Violation - Written notification.
Second Violation - Team forfeit one game.
Third Violation - Coach is relieved from his position.
Field Dimensions - 90' bases for all divisions.
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10
H)
Game Lengths
1)
A regulation game shall be seven innings or 2 hours and 10 minutes,
whichever comes first. NOTE: Tie games will be played out if time
still remains on the time limit. Once the time limit is reached and a
started inning is completed, if the game is still tied, it will be recorded
as a tie. (See #3 below.)
2)
Ten Run Rule – The Ten Run Rule is in effect with a lead of 10 runs
after (5) innings (41/2 if the home team is ahead) of a 7-inning game.
3)
Quick Infield (Babe Ruth) If the first game of two scheduled games is
completed less than 10 minutes BEFORE the scheduled game time
of the next game both teams can only take infield during the first
inning while their pitcher is warming up.
4)
In case of rain or darkness, four innings or more shall constitute a
legal game. The home plate umpire shall be sole judge for calling a
game because of rain or darkness. Called games because of rain,
darkness, or any other reason called by umpires, shall go back to the
last completed inning for the final and recorded result of the contest.
If four innings are not finished the game will be re-scheduled unless it
is called because of the time limit.
If a game is called because of poor team, coach, or spectator
conduct, the Lodi Recreation Supervisor and Babe Ruth League
Committee will determine the game result.
5)
If each team has the same number of runs when the game is called, it
shall be declared a tie game.
Rule Interpretation: The time limit of a game is 2 hours and 10
minutes. If there is any time left when the 3rd out of an inning is
made, a new inning shall be started. Once an inning starts, it will be
completed unless the home team possesses the lead as their team
comes to bat. The umpire/scorer will at that point call the game.
NOTE: An umpire has the authority to initiate play if a team purposely
delays a game.
I)
Play-off Procedures
Play-off - At the conclusion of league play, a play-off schedule will be created
to accommodate teams in each division
Established weekly play, pitching rules, etc. will be used for play-offs just as
though it was any ordinary week. All rules used in league play will be used in
play-offs except as follows:
All six-team and five-team leagues will follow a single elimination playoff
format determined by the final standings. All seeding ties will be determined
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11
by coin flip if all other tiebreakers are even. Any Division greater than 6
teams, Top 4 go to playoffs
1)
Rainouts (games suspended by rain) will be continued from the point
of suspension.
2)
The Ten-Run-Rule will be enforced after 5 innings (4 ½ if the home
team is ahead.)
In cases of ties in the standings, the following system will be used to
break ties:
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
J)
Points (3 for win, 1 for tie, -1 for forfeit)
Head-to-head competition
Conference/Division record (if applicable)
Record vs. “top 4” playoff teams
Coin flip (unless it is a tie for the last playoff position)
Protests
1)
If a coach believes an umpire misinterpreted a rule and wishes to
protest the game, he must notify the plate umpire at the time of
disputed play and before play is resumed. The plate umpire must
notify the opposing coach immediately. The scorer shall mark all
pertinent facts in the official scorebook. The protesting coach must
submit his formal protest in writing within 48 hours of the completed
game. The Lodi Recreation Supervisor shall contact both managers
to appear before the B.O.B.S. Protest Committee and a final ruling will
be made on the protest.
Any coach willfully using an illegal player at any time will be removed
from his coaching duties immediately and suspended for three (3)
years from coaching in all B.O.B.S. programs. An illegal or ineligible
player is defined as a player whose name does not appear on the
official team roster or the coach does not have said player’s approved
medical release in his possession.
K)
2)
A protest based on an umpire's judgment is not permitted.
3)
In the case of an ineligible player, the above protest procedure will be
allowed and the penalty shall be forfeiture of each game the ineligible
player participated in.
Player Participation Rules
Standard Babe Ruth Baseball Re-Entry Play Rule in Babe Ruth will be used.
1)
Babe Ruth – Regular Season
All players must play two consecutive innings (12 outs) of each and
every game, unless they are being held out of a game for disciplinary
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action or injury/illness medical reasons. If this is the case
(disciplinary/medical reasons), the coach must indicate this to the
umpire and opposing coach when covering ground rules.
Substitutions must be made no later than the TOP of the FIFTH
INNING. All substitutions dealing with players who have not been in
the game can occur anytime, provided the player being removed has
met his mandatory play time. All mandatory substitutions MUST BE
MADE BY THE TOP OF THE FIFTH INNING. Re-entering starters
may re-enter the game once the player he is re-entering for has
played his two consecutive innings (12 outs). He must re-enter in his
original line-up spot.
2)
Batting- Lineup only (9 players)
3)
Re-Entry Rule Any of the nine starting players may withdraw and re-enter once,
provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he
is in the line-up. The pitcher is governed by provisions in the Official
Baseball Rule 3.05. A substitute who is withdrawn may not re-enter.
NOTE: If a player re-enters illegally as pitcher, fielder, or runner,
there is no penalty except that he must be removed from the game
immediately when discovered. If he re-enters illegally as a batter,
such illegal re-entry is penalized according to Official Baseball Rule
6.07, Batting Out of Order.
Listed below are interpretations of the above rule:
A)
This rule applies to both local league and tournament play.
B)
Each of the nine starting players may be withdrawn from the
game and re-enter once.
C)
The starting player, when re-entered, must occupy the same
batting position as he occupied when starting the game, i.e., a
starting player and his substitute cannot be in the game at the
same time.
D)
A starting pitcher withdrawn from the game may re-enter
immediately if he was withdrawn while a batter or base runner.
If a starting pitcher is withdrawn while he is on the mound
pitching, his substitute must fulfill Official Baseball Rule 3.05
(b) before he is permitted to re-enter the game. (tournament
rule)
E)
All other starting players may be withdrawn and re-entered
immediately or anytime at the discretion of the manager
(tournament rule).
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F)
A substitute withdrawn from the game can never re-enter the
game.
G)
An injured or ejected player may be replaced to avoid forfeiture
if no substitutes are available.
MANDATORY PLAY RULE PENALTY
NOTE: All games must be completed. Violation of the Mandatory Play Rule
is forfeiture of game. If an occasion arises that is beyond the control of the
manager/coach, the plate umpire must be notified immediately. The Babe
Ruth Committee will review the protest and ruling will be made within seven
days unless protest requires immediate attention.
Examples of review able situations:
IV.
1.
Parents removing player for an appointment without giving the coach
sufficient notification.
2.
Sudden illness.
* The manager/coach should make himself aware prior to the game
of any player who has time restraints put upon him. Players must play
the required time.
RULES SPECIFIC TO VARIOUS DIVISIONS
A.
Special Rules of Importance and Emphasis for All Leagues
Teaching base runners how and when to slide is an important part of a
coach's responsibility. Players should be instructed to slide or avoid being
put out (without violent contact) on any close play at first, second, third, and
home, not only to avoid injury to the fielder, but also to prevent personal
injury.
B.
Protective Head Gear
1)
Batters
All batters, on deck batters, base runners, and players serving as
base coaches must wear protective gear.
A player who refuses to wear protective headgear will not be allowed
to bat, coach bases, or be a base runner. A batter or base runner
that intentionally throws his protective headgear while running to a
base or between bases will automatically be called out.
2)
Catchers
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Catchers must wear the helmet/mask combination when catching in a
game or practice session. Masks must be worn any time a catcher or
player is warming up a pitcher at a practice game or warming up in
the bullpen. A protective cup must be worn.
C.
Crashing Into A Fielder
There have been cases where the base runner, upon seeing the catcher or
another fielder who has the ball waiting for the runner, remains on his feet
and deliberately and with great force, crashes into the defensive player
hoping to jar the infielder so hard that he will drop the ball rather than slide or
make an attempt to avoid being tagged out. Severe injury can result from
such unnecessary unsportsmanlike tactics. It is the duty of the umpire to
declare the runner out. When the action of the runner is also interpreted as
being a flagrant act, the violator will be disqualified from the game. Coaches
and players must be aware that umpires are asked to watch more closely for
obstructions by the catcher and other fielders. It appears that coaches need
to remind their players of the rule pertaining to obstruction and the proper
method of making the tag during putouts. Catchers need to be taught to give
runners a piece of home plate in which to slide prior to receiving the ball to
make the put out. It appears catchers, because of the added protective
equipment, defy runners to challenge them and have the tendency to
obstruct runners unnecessarily when they do not have the ball. We have the
ability to make the put out at first, second, and third base without violent
collision; it should be no different at home plate. It is the umpires’ duty to
enforce the obstruction rule and not give the defense an unfair advantage.
D.
Faking a Tag Without the Ball
Faking a tag on a runner when that defensive player does not have the ball
must be curtailed. The Committee has changed the rule to provide that
when a defensive player fakes a tag when he does not have the ball,
obstruction is called. Repeated violations of faking a tag without the ball may
result in disqualification.
E.
Coaches Charging Umpires on Judgment Calls
The Rules Committee is disturbed that coaches have charged umpires and
others connected with the team to question a judgment call. There is no
place for such tactics in amateur baseball. Any player, coach, or bench
personnel who charges an umpire or questions a judgment call will be
warned to stop at once. If the warning is not heeded immediately, the
offender will be banished from the game. If after one warning to a member
of a team (coach, player, or scorekeeper) a member charges an umpire, that
offender will be banished for the remainder of the game.
F.
Bench and Field Conduct
The Committee has been apprised many coaches and players are guilty of
conduct detrimental to the game of baseball. Specifically, the Committee
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has been informed that the practice of baiting opponents is on the rise. The
Code of Ethics for baseball players and coaches states, "The ethics and
sportsmanship of players, coaches, officials and others associated with the
games must be exemplary and beyond reproach." The penalty for
unsportsmanlike conduct, as it pertains to using remarks, which reflect on
opposing players, is disqualification. The Rules Committee hopes coaches
will work with their players to eliminate these unsportsmanlike acts.
G.
B.O.B.S. Ejection Policy
Head and Assistant Coaches:
Any coach that is ejected from a game will be suspended from the next two
(2) games and will be put on a one year probation (the current season and
next). Any further ejections that season will result in a minimum three (3)
game suspension and can carry over to the next season. A third ejection
removes the coach as a coach for the remainder of the season.
Players:
Players who are ejected will be suspended for one (1) game. A second
ejection will be for two (2) games. A third ejection will result in the player
being released from the team.
Fans:
Fans who are ejected or removed will be suspended for one (1) game. A
second offense will be for a minimum of three games.
Note: The B.O.B.S. Sports Committee or Program Coordinator may
extend any suspensions and/or probations as offense warrants.
H)
Out-of-Play Interpretations
1.
The ball is dead whenever it crosses the out-of-play line.
2.
On an overthrow, when the ball goes out-of-play, the award of bases
is as follows:
a)
Overthrown by an infielder - Two bases for each runner from
the start of the play. (Pitch) This is referring to ground ball
plays for an infielder.
b)
Overthrown by an outfielder - Two bases for each runner at the
time the outfielder lets go of the ball. NOTE: It means the
award of bases is made at the time the outfielder threw the ball
and not when the ball crosses the out-of-play line.
c)
Overthrow by a pitcher - When the pitcher attempts a pick-off
with his foot in contact with the pitching plate and throws the
ball out-of-play. The award shall be one base for each runner.
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NOTE: If the pitcher attempts a pick-off with his foot NOT in
contact with the rubber, he shall be the same as an infielder.
3.
I)
On a fly ball, both feet must be inside the out-of-play line for a catch
to be good. If either foot crosses the out-of-play line after the catch,
the batter is out, ball is dead, and all runners advance one base. In
the case of intentionally carrying the ball out-of-play, two bases will be
awarded to all runners.
Tryout Pitching Rule (All levels with tryouts)
All players with previous pitching experience, whether in Lodi or in any other
program, must tryout if they are to pitch in the current season in Lodi Babe
Ruth.
Penalty: Any games pitched by an illegal pitcher will be forfeited and the
coach will be put on probation.
J)
Pitching Rule Interpretations Babe Ruth Rule 0.006 Pitching Limitations
13-15 Program
1.
Any pitcher, regardless of age, may pitch seven innings per
calendar week. This rule applies to regular schedule and all
play-off games.
2.
Pitching eligibility, in effect for re-scheduled and make-up
games, goes in accordance to the calendar week in which the
games are replayed or re-scheduled.
3.
If a pitcher delivers one pitch in an inning, he shall be charged
for one inning pitched.
4.
A calendar week is Monday through Sunday.
5.
A pitcher must have two full days’ rest between pitching assignments
when he has pitched in more than three innings in a game. This
would be a calendar week or between two calendar weeks. If a
pitcher pitches three or less innings in a game, the rest rule is not in
effect. Pitcher would still adhere to eligible innings per week rule.
This means two full calendar days.
6.
The word "assignments" means each game in which a pitcher pitches
is considered one assignment. A pitcher in the same game may start
out as pitcher, play another position, and return to the mound; this
would still be considered one assignment.
7.
Examples of pitching assignments:
a)
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Pitcher pitches four innings on Monday and may pitch three
innings on Thursday.
17
b)
Pitcher pitches seven innings on Monday, he cannot pitch until
the following Monday, which begins the new calendar week.
c)
Pitcher pitches six innings on Tuesday; he may pitch one
inning on Friday.
d)
Pitcher pitches seven innings on Tuesday; he cannot pitch until
Monday of the new calendar week.
e)
Pitcher pitches three innings on Wednesday; he may pitch four
innings on the next day or any day through to Saturday.
f)
Pitcher pitches seven innings on Wednesday; he cannot pitch
until Monday, which begins the new calendar week.
g)
Pitcher pitches three innings or less on Saturday; he would be
eligible for seven innings on Monday of the new calendar
week.
h)
Pitcher pitches four or more innings on Saturday; he cannot
pitch again until Tuesday.
NOTE: If a game is called before it has become a regulation game
and the umpire declares it "no game", the pitching eligibility is the
same as it was prior to the beginning of the "no game" situation.
8)
V.
Exhibition Season rules see addendum:
OFFENSIVE CONFERENCE
A.
There will be only one charged conference between the manager
and/or other team representative(s) and the batter or runner(s) in an
inning. The umpire shall not permit any such conferences in excess
of one in an inning.
Penalty: Ejection of the manager or coach who insists on another
charged conference.
VI.
TOURNAMENT TEAMS
Tournament Play - Players/Coaches - Tournament levels at the conclusion of
local league play - tournament teams will be selected to compete in District,
State, or Regional-type tournaments.
The Lodi Recreation
Department/B.O.B.S. will determine participation with consent of coaches
and league personal.
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Team Selection - If teams are chosen, players will be nominated by team
coaches and finally selected by coaches on league level teams, or the
tournament team coaches. All teams must comply with National Babe Ruth
Tournament team rules as to number of teams per league and the number of
rostered players. Coaches are asked to be aware of these rules and
tournament player eligibility guidelines.
Dates - Tournament team play runs into July and can go into August if teams
advance to higher levels of play, to include the World Series. Team
expenses will be covered by the B.O.B.S. organization but may fall on the
shoulders and responsibility of team parents. They may assist in working out
financial and team details.
Tournament Team Coaches - Selection Process - During each league level
of play, the Babe Ruth Committee's assigned Coordinator will contact
coaches within each level to inquire if they would be interested in
coaching/managing a tournament team if that level should in fact have a
tournament team. The Coordinator and Lodi Recreation Supervisor/B.O.B.S.
staff will evaluate coaches who are interested in coaching the tournament
team. Only two assistant coaches and one manager/head coach per team
will be selected.
These coaches are responsible to coach/manage the tournament team(s)
and ensure players have transportation to and from games, issue and collect
uniforms, and generally oversee the players. When teams are required to
travel further than their district boundaries for tournament level play, the
B.O.B.S. will assist with arrangements for players and coaches. In state or
above level tournaments, coaches will be responsible for family member's
involvement and finances unless the sponsoring organizations have made
available compensation. Each player will be assessed $35.00 uniform
deposit.
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